On Saturday morning we woke up to gorgeous weather perfect to walk in. We put on our purple shirts, and we met up with friends old and new.
We took our team photo
And then we marched, led (of course) by Maddie’s sister.
After, we gathered and exclaimed over how much Maddie’s friends had grown.
And we welcomed all of the new friends.
We marched for Maddie.
We did it for Annie.
And we do it so someday, we can stop walking.
all photos by Megan Hook Photography.
{ 53 comments… read them below or add one }
Seriously! Your kids are stinkin’ cute!!!
So glad you were able to March and that there were so many people who joined and supported such a wonderful cause. One day you will stop having to and won’t that be a spectacular day
Ashley S´s last [type] ..I’ve Been Published! In a Book! – GIVEAWAY!!
This brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for doing what you do.
Gorgeous photos.. my absolute FAVE is the first one of proud, determined Annabel leading the charge.
From a former preemie, thank you.
Jen´s last [type] ..my eulogy
So beautiful, Heather.
Annie looks so determined to march to the end…
Kelly´s last [type] ..Hall of Fame Bound
I am honored to have walked with your family. Thank you for welcoming me.
A´s last [type] ..Quick update
Beautiful, and great pics!! <3
Also, this is a video of a pregnant mom flash mob that benefits the march of dimes. For every youtube viewing of this video a dime will be donated to the march of dimes.
http://youtu.be/JBIOzyOT1gI Wanted to share since you'd be able to spread the word more effectively with your blog/twitter than I could.
Wow! Loved that video!!! So sweet, and for a great cause!!!! Thanks for posting!
Mommy´s last [type] ..Wrapped Up With Love
It is impossible to tell me that there exists a cuter picture in the world than that picture of Annie marching and leading the way.
Oh mah gah.
Annie looks so determined in the first photo. It’s like she’s saying, “okay these bozos haven’t figured out a way to keep babies from being born too soon so I’m gonna do it”
Rebecca´s last [type] ..Getting Out
Annie looks lovely! I’m glad you had such beautiful weather.
Got my t-shirt and my daughter wanted to know all about Maddie. Spreading the word…
OMG, I love the one of Annie marching. She looks so determined — love the tongue out!
The picture of Annie marching is priceless.
Elle´s last [type] ..When you want to take someone’s cell phone and stick it where the sun doesn’t shine Not your unshiney spot- their unshiney spot Unless you’re into that sort of thing and if you are then ewww
You’re sure going to miss Annabel when I eat her up! Sorry, but I won’t be able to help myself after seeing that determined march photo!
Heather, I rarely cry when I read blogs, but that picture of Annie and the caption brought tears to my eyes (in Starbucks!). So sweet.
Snarky Mommy´s last [type] ..I left my heart in San Francisco
Hi Heather & Mike,
I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the picture of Annie walking!!! So proud of all the hard work you guys put into the March for Babies. While waiting for our Maddie t-shirts, we wore purple in honour of Maddie while on our walk.
As ALWAYS…missing, loving and hurting so badly Maddie didn’t get to walk with you all. How unfair it is she isn’t here in person however, I do believe with my whole heart & soul….she was certainly there in spirit!!
Thanks for ALL you do!!!!
Love,
Jenn xo
My little team of 10 seems so small now. You guys are awesome! Thought of all of you as we marched on Saturday too, especially sweet Maddie!
(((HUGS))) from Florida
Absolutely GORGEOUS photos. My favorite has to be Annie leading the march. She looks so stinking cute. But then again she always looks so stinking cute!
Kristin (MamaKK922)´s last [type] ..Unpopular Opinion
That purple tutu is the cutest! Wish I could pull off wearing an outfit like that!
Oh. My. Goodness. That picture of Annie is perhaps the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. You guys sure reproduce well.
Liz Baker´s last [type] ..The Second Time Around…
Annie leading the march?
PRICELESS.
So honored to have been a part of your team.
Must not weep at work!!!
That photo of Annie leading the way made me well up bigtime.
LOVE the pictures of Annie! So wish we could have been there in person; but we’ll be walking for Maddie here on May 14th!
Thank you!
Oh my goodness, the photo of Annie marching in that tutu… are you trying to torture me with the cuteness?
Love it! Glad it went well, I was thinking of you guys.
Carrie´s last [type] ..Thinking happy wedding thoughts
Love the pic of Annie leading the pack!
Another successful March under your belts! Way to go Team Maddie!
Oh my gosh, I looove that first picture of Annie! So darn cute
Glad you had a beautiful day for the March!!
Love the Annie pic! It’s my favorite. And the tutu’s.
Go Team Maddie!
LOVE the picture of Annie marching. Looks like I’m not the only one.
RookieMom Heather´s last [type] ..Activity 148- Check out the library
Proud to be part of the team. xoxo
Love being a part of the team!! Had a great time, thanks for everything!! XOXO
AmazingGreis´s last [type] ..Ellen Must Hate Me or Maybe it’s Just the Universe Saying FU
Oh that picture of Annie marching is priceless!!
Look at Annie marching out in her purple tutu for her big sister. What an amazing thing you all do.
Penbleth´s last [type] ..Well- that was the weekend- tomorrow it’s porridge
Love the picture of Annie marching. What a keeper that is!
You should be so proud. I’m sure Maddie is. xx
Looks like you had a beautiful day for the walk. I was with you in spirit from over here in Australia. Next year I’ll be back to walking for Maddie.
I especially the love the photo of Annie really getting into the spirit of walking for her big sister
Lisa´s last [type] ..The Many Faces of Maya
OMG, I adore that picture of Annie marching. Too perfect…absolute cuteness backed by a will of steel.
Kristin´s last [type] ..Sunday Smorgasbord
That first picture of Annie leading the charge is so good it should be in a contest for beautiful babies. Seriously! Love the purple skirt.
Bless your family for still doing the walk for babies in Maddie’s name.
Hugs from Minnesota
Marie
Love the purple tutu and the tongue sticking out. Such determination!! I have the feeling your going to have some trouble in your future with a stubborn little girl. Glad the walk went well.
Beautiful pictures. <3
I love the picture of Annie marching. She is so determined.
In the spirit of the March of Dimes, Kings Island in Cincinnati and Becoming mom held a casting call for pregnant moms to come to KI and participate in a flash mob. For each click on the page Becoming Mom will donate $.10 to the March of Dimes. Thought you might like this..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBIOzyOT1gI
Congratulations on another amazing march. You are doing so much – not only by raising money, but also by raising so much awareness. Annie is quite the marching leader (as we knew she would be!)
Heather, you are awesome! I am so proud of your ability to change what has to be the most horrific event of your life into something so moving and so helpful to people all across the world! I know you want your Maddie back more than anyone in this world could imagine…I am so proud of your for channeling your energy into such worthy projects and keeping Maddie’s name such an honorable legacy!
I don’t know of many babies that complete strangers could recognize by face but I assure Maddie’s face is recognized by millions because of your determination!
Thank you again for all you do!
P.S. Annie is soooooooooooo stinking cute! How do you not gnaw on those thighs?????
Take care!
I absolutely LOVE the picture of Annie wearing that tutu and marching for her big sis!
These are fantastic and inspiring photos!
Your Annie could not be any cuter!
The Mommy Therapy´s last [type] ..Craig- I Am Really Starting To Hate Your Damn List
Your girls look so different from each other and each is exquisitely beautiful. Maddie’s eyes, her sweet smile, and her story continue to move me as do your posts and pics about Annie.
The photo of Annie leading the march for her big sister Maddie is absolutely priceless. xo
Love the pictures, love the March of Dimes, love Maddie, love Annie, love YOU!
Mommy´s last [type] ..Wrapped Up With Love
i don’t post often but i read faithfully. how wonderful to have so much love and support around you. that picture of Annie proudly marching for Maddie is just darling. people like you are one in a million.
Heather, I think you and Mike are amazing people – to be able to focus on the work that needs to be done and not on your extraordinary and unfair loss is really something phenomenal. I know you didn’t want to be an example of grace and love, and you’d rather have your Maddie in your arms, but at least if your family had to go through this you still manage to spread joy and love and kindness and responsibility through a world gone mad. You and your daughter really have changed the world, by getting into people’s hearts and growing their love for others.
GingerB´s last [type] ..Claire and Hannah give an Easter shout out to their Peeps
The kids are really vibrant, what a great Saturday you had! The picture are really adorable and made my day, thank you so much for sharing it.
Lawrence@CreditDonkey´s last [type] ..Identity Theft Statistics and What to Do
Absolutely amazing!!! Annie is leading the way with such determination, such a great little sister she is!!!
I work in a NICU and this is my 2nd year doing the walk. However, this is the 1st time my kids, ages 7 and 9, did the walk. They understand “NICU” and “preemies” but to help them understand more, I showed them your video you posted last week. Thank you for posting it. It really helped them understand and put a face to the walk. We walked for all the preemies in my NICU but we also walked for Maddie.
It’s hardly original but I have to chime in too and say that picture of Annie leading the march for her sister is absolutely adorable. Hugs to you and all your team.